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Mateusz Palka/Szymon Mika Quartet: Popyt

By Ian Patterson
January 27, 2016
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Mateusz Palka/Szymon Mika Quartet: Popyt

The title of the debut album from the Polish quartet co-led by

Mateusz Pa?ka

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Mateusz Pa?ka and Szymon Mika translates as "demand," reflecting the group's belief that greater melodic expression is what the modern jazz fan pines for. It follows that the six originals—and a cover of

Sonny Rollins

saxophone
b.1930

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Rollins' "Airegin"—are above all tuneful, with the extended soloing, that is one of the album's strengths, following sharply defined melodic contours. Stylistically, the music is subtly diverse from one track to another and the shifting quartet dynamics and strong musicianship make for a rewarding listening experience.

The mid-tempo "Opening"—one of two tracks penned by Mika—is indicative of the unhurried and elegant yet always engaging approach of the quartet, and features solos from the leaders, double bassist

Alan Wykpisz

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Alan Wykpisz and drummer Grzegorz Maslowski. Mika gained international recognition after winning the inaugural Jarek Smietana International Guitar Competition in 2015 and on his other composition, the breezy "Zakaz Smutku" it's easy to see how a judging panel that included

John Abercrombie

guitar
1944 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">John Abercrombie,

Mike Stern

guitar
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Stern and

Ed Cherry

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Ed Cherry were persuaded by his lyrical improvisational narratives.

Palka, who also impresses as a refined soloist, contributes four contemporary sounding compositions, of which the slow-burning, powerfully emotive "This is Not the Time for a Barber" is arguably the pick of the bunch. Pianist and guitarist join in slow-shuffle tandem on the lovely, brushes-led ballad "N��? w Ma?le," both stretching out in turn with quietly compelling authority. The straight-ahead, up-tempo rendition of Rollins' "Airegin" almost inevitably recalls the

Wes Montgomery

guitar
1923 - 1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Wes Montgomery/

Tommy Flanagan

piano
1930 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Tommy Flanagan version from 1960, with Wykpisz playing

Percy Heath

bass, acoustic
1923 - 2005

" data-original-title="" title="">Percy Heath to Maslowski's Albert 'Tootie' Heath; within the wider context of the quartet's impressive originals, this cleanly articulated nod to the tradition adds little to the quartet's personal identity, coming across as a lively first-set closer.

Palka strikes a fine balance between form and freedom on the episodic "Popyt no monke," which commands the attention for the full fourteen minutes. The pianist's meandering right hand leads the quartet from bluesy stroll into increasingly denser territory bordering on the ecstatic before exiting on the back of a vamp-buoyed drum feature. By way of contrast, Palka's classically-infused minimalism colors "Spring is Coming." Mika sits out this ruminative, largely pulseless number where spare bass notes alternate with crying arco over rumbling mallets and washing cymbals. It's the pianist's impressionist, gently lyrical caress, however, that really stands out on this delicate closing statement.

With the mature, artfully constructed Popyt, the Mateusz Palka/Szymon Quartet has crafted an impressive initial calling card whose musical guile and measured passions leave you wanting more.

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Track Listing

Opening; Zakaz Smutku; This is Not the Time for a Barber N��? w Ma?le; Airegin; Popyt no monke; Spring is Coming.

Personnel

Mateusz Palka/Szymon Mika Quartet

Mateusz Pa?ka: piano; Szymon Mika: guitar; Alan Wykpisz: double bass; Grzegorz Mas?owski: drums.

Album information

Title: Popyt | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Sj Records

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